Gaming machine with receipt generation capabilities

ABSTRACT

The invention comprises a gaming machine adapted to print receipts. In one embodiment, the gaming machine is associated with a gaming system including a player tracking or reward system. The gaming machine includes a receipt printer/generator. Game play data is stored remote from the gaming machine. In the event the player&#39;s play reaches a predetermined level or satisfies particular criteria, the player is provided an award. Information regarding the award is generated and stored remotely, and the gaming machine is caused to print a receipt which may be redeemed for the award. The award may be goods or services, such as a free dinner or additional game play. The award is separate from any winnings associated with a winning outcome of a game played on the machine. In one embodiment, the gaming machine is arranged to print a receipt containing operational data, such as gaming machine accounting or diagnosis information.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to gaming machines, and more particularly,a gaming machine capable of issuing a receipt or ticket.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Currently, a variety of tasks related to the operation of a gamingmachine including associated systems and a variety of the servicesoffered to game players, are disjunctive. For example, a gaming machinemay be arranged to accept credit cards, coins or cash as a payment formfrom a player for entitlement to place a bet and play a game. Tofacilitate these functions, gaming machines may be linked to a firstnetwork which is arranged to carry out a credit card authorizationfunction.

A gaming machine may also include a card reader for reading informationfrom a player tracking card and for tracking player play and rewardingawards for play. For this purpose, gaming machines may be linked to asecond, entirely different player tracking network. This network may bearranged to monitor a player's play and award the player “comps” in theevent the player's play reaches one or more predetermined levels, asgenerally reflected by points which are awarded for play. In the event aplayer receives sufficient points, the player may proceed to a playerreward station and “cash in” their points for the comp, such as freegames, a free dinner or show. Generally, this requires that a playertake their player tracking card to the reward booth after they havestopped playing a gaming machine, provide their player tracking card asidentification, and then be awarded a “comp.”

The machine may also be provided with a jack into which may be pluggeddiagnostic equipment for receiving information from a gaming controllerof the machine. In order to receive information regarding the operationof the gaming machine, however, a technician must travel to the machinewith the necessary diagnostic equipment. Diagnosis information may beviewed on a screen of the diagnositic equipment.

It is desirable to reduce the complexity of the gaming machine, as suchboth reduces its cost of manufacture and cost of operation. At the sametime, it is desirable to make the gaming machine more versatile,offering the player a greater number of services.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention comprises a gaming machine arranged to printreceipts, and methods for generating and redeeming the receipts.

In one embodiment, the gaming machine is associated with a gaming systemincluding a player tracking system. The gaming machine includes areceipt printer/generator. Game play data is stored remote from thegaming machine. In the event the player's play reaches a predeterminedlevel, the player is provided an award. Information regarding the awardis generated and stored remotely, and the gaming machine is caused toprint a receipt which may be redeemed for the award. The award may begoods or services, such as a free dinner or additional game play. In oneembodiment, the award is separate from any winnings associated with awinning outcome of a game played on the machine.

In another embodiment of the invention, the gaming machine is arrangedto print a receipt containing operational data, such as gaming machineaccounting or diagnosis information. The gaming machine includes acontroller. A diagnosis instruction is provided to the controller, suchas remotely over a communication link. In response to the instruction,the gaming machine performs a diagnosis and prints a receipt includingdiagnosis information. This information may comprise a wide range ofdata, such as meter amounts, coin hopper fill status and the like.

In another embodiment of the invention, the gaming machine is arrangedto print a receipt containing information unrelated to game play. Thegaming machine may be associated with an information host, such as ahotel reservation/information system. The gaming machine may be arrangedto print a receipt including guest hotel charge or check-outinformation, hotel and restaurant rates, menus, show times and costs,and a wide range of other information.

Further objects, features, and advantages of the present invention overthe prior art will become apparent from the detailed description of thedrawings which follows, when considered with the attached figures.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a gaming machine adapted to print a receipt inaccordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates a gaming network including a plurality of gamingmachines in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 3( a) illustrates a “value” type receipt which may beissued/generated with a gaming machine in accordance with the inventionand be accepted by a gaming machine as value for bets; and

FIG. 3( b) illustrates a “comp” type receipt which may beissued/generated with a gaming machine in accordance with the inventionand redeemed for an award or prize.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention is a gaming machine arranged to generate receipts, agaming system including one or more of the gaming machines, and one ormore methods of generating and redeeming receipts. In the followingdescription, numerous specific details are set forth in order to providea more thorough description of the present invention. It will beapparent, however, to one skilled in the art, that the present inventionmay be practiced without these specific details. In other instances,well-known features have not been described in detail so as not toobscure the invention.

FIG. 1 illustrates a gaming machine or device 20 in accordance with anembodiment of the invention. In general, the gaming machine 20 isadapted to present at least one game for play to a player. Asillustrated, the gaming machine 20 includes a housing 22 which supportsand/or houses the various components of the gaming machine 20. In theembodiment illustrated, the gaming machine 20 is adapted to present agame of “slots,” and includes three rotating reels 24 a, b, c. A handle26 or spin button 28 may be used to effectuate rotation of the reels 24a, b, c.

In this well known game, a player may be declared the winner of the gameand be awarded an award if the result of the rotation of the reels 24 a,b, c is a predetermined combination of symbols. It should be understoodthat the gaming machine 20 maybe adapted to present one or more of awide variety of games. Depending upon the game presented, theconfiguration of the machine may vary. For example, in the event thegaming machine 20 is adapted to present the game of video poker, thenthe gaming machine 20 may include a video display.

In one or more embodiments of the invention, the gaming machine 20 isadapted to present a wager-type game. In this arrangement, a player isrequired to place a bet or wager in order to participate in the game. Inthe event the outcome of the game is a winning outcome, then the playermay be provided with an award. In one arrangement, the award may bewinnings in proportion to the amount wagered or bet by the player. Thewinnings may comprise coins or paper currency, or credit redeemable forcoins, paper currency or prizes.

In order to accept a wager, the gaming machine 20 may include a coinacceptor 30 for accepting coins. The gaming machine 20 may also includea bill acceptor or validator 32 for accepting paper currency. The gamingmachine 20 maybe provided with other means for accepting or verifyingvalue, such as a credit card reader.

Preferably, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention,the gaming machine 20 includes at least one means for generating areceipt. In one embodiment, this means comprises a receipt printer 34.The receipt printer 34 may comprise a variety of now known orlater-developed devices. In general, the receipt printer 34 comprises adevice for generating a receipt having information associated therewith.In one embodiment, the receipt is generated by printing, such as withink, information onto an element. It is contemplated, however, that theinformation need not be printed, but may be generated and associatedwith the receipt in other manners. For example, electronic data may begenerated and then “written” to a magnetic stripe of the receipt.

In a preferred embodiment, the receipt is constructed from paper or asimilar material. The receipt may comprise a wide variety of otherelements or members, however, such as cards or the like. While the term“receipt” is used herein, it will be appreciated that these elements maybe referred to as vouchers, tickets or the like.

Though not illustrated in detail, the gaming machine 20 includesappropriate elements for generating the receipts. As illustrated, thegaming machine 20 includes a printing device 34. The gaming machine 20may also includes a receipt storage device for storing blank orunprinted receipts. In one or more embodiments, a controller is providedfor controlling the operation of the printing device 34. As is wellknown, the gaming machine 20 may include a master gaming controller (notillustrated) for controlling the operation of many of the peripheraldevices of the gaming machine 20, such as lights, input buttons, coinand bill acceptors and the like. The gaming controller may include a buswith which a printer controller is associated. In this manner, thegaming controller may provide instructions, such as print instructions,to the printer for printing receipts.

In a preferred embodiment, the gaming controller of the gaming machine20 is associated with other devices, such as through a wired or wirelessnetwork, which will be described in more detail below. FIG. 2illustrates one particular environment/application of the method andapparatus of the invention. As described in more detail below, thispreferred environment/application comprises a gaming system 40. Themethod and apparatus of the present invention may be applied to a numberof different environments, including but not limited to food service,entertainment shows, promotional game play, or generally to events oractivities where receipts may be issued and redeemed or used.

In general, the system 40 includes at least one gaming machine 20. Asillustrated, in a preferred embodiment, the system 40 includes aplurality of gaming machines 20. Each gaming machine 20 is arranged topresent one or more games to a player. The game presented at eachmachine may be the same or different.

In a preferred embodiment, the gaming machines 20 are associated with aplayer tracking or reward system host 44. One or more appropriatecommunications links, whether wired or wireless, permit information tobe transferred to and from each gaming machine 20 and the playertracking host 44. The player tracking host 44 may comprise a singlecomputer or a group of computers associated with one another via one ormore communication links forming a network.

In one embodiment, the player tracking host 44 is associated with aplayer tracking/reward or “comp” function. The player tracking host 44may thus be adapted to aggregate game play data regarding the playersplaying the gaming machines 20. This data may include information suchas the length of time of game play, amounts bet, amounts awarded, and awide variety of other information. The player tracking host 44 may alsostore information regarding receipts which are issued for “comps,” asdescribed in more detail below. In general, each gaming machine 20 isadapted to transmit the player tracking data over the communicationslink(s) to the player tracking host 44.

In one embodiment, the player tracking host 44 includes at least onedata storage element for storing the player information. The datastorage element may comprise a hard drive, RAM, tape drive, CD or othermemory or data storage member or element. The player tracking host 44also includes necessary communications equipment, such as network cardsor the like for receiving and sending information.

In a preferred embodiment, the gaming machines 20 are also associatedwith a payment host 45. The payment host 45 may be similar to the playertracking host 44, and comprise a computer or group of computers andinclude memory or other data storage devices. In one embodiment, thepayment host 45 is adapted to store information regarding paymentinformation and receipt or ticket information when a receipt or tickethas associated value.

The gaming system 40 may include a wide variety of other hosts or beassociated with other networks, such as a security monitoring network orthe like. As illustrated, in one or more embodiments, a variety ofsub-systems or devices are associated with the gaming system 40. In oneembodiment, a soft count system 46 is associated with the gaming system40. The soft count system 46 is for use in a soft count process forreconciling the amounts received and paid by the gaming machines 20 withbills or receipts which have been accepted by the gaming machine 20 andremoved therefrom.

One or more receipt validation mechanisms 50, wireless receipt terminals52 and cashier cage systems 54 may be associated with the gaming system40. The manner by which information from these mechanisms, terminals andsystems is transmitted to and from other mechanisms, terminals andsystems may vary. For example, as illustrated, the wireless receiptterminals 52 may comprise handheld devices adapted to transmit andreceive information from the payment host 45 via a wirelesscommunications link. The other systems, including the soft count system46, receipt validation mechanisms 50 and cashier cage systems 54 areillustrated as being hard wired to the player tracking host 44 andpayment host 45.

The receipt validation mechanisms 50, wireless receipt terminals 52 andcashier cage systems 54 may be arranged to include a variety ofapparatus, including both hardware and software, for performing avariety of functions. In one or more embodiments, these mechanisms,terminals and systems may include receipts generation/printing devicesand receipts scanning or reading devices. In this manner gamingpersonnel may issue receipts to players and players may cash-in receiptsafter play at a variety of locations.

The receipts which are generated/printed by the gaming machines 20 (andoptionally by other devices such as the receipt validation mechanisms50, wireless receipt terminals 52 and cashier cage systems 54) may havea variety of information associated therewith and may be used for avariety of purposes. In one embodiment, the receipts may berepresentative of value. As an example, in the event the player isdeclared a winner of a game played on a gaming machine 20, the playermay be paid an award. As noted above, the award may be in the form ofcoins. In one embodiment of the invention, however, the award maybeassociated with or represented by a receipt. For example, in the eventthe player wins 100 dollars and the player wishes to discontinue playingthe gaming machine 20, the gaming machine 20 may print a receiptrepresenting this winning amount. As detailed below, data regarding theticket and the winning amount is preferably transmitted to the paymentcentral host 45. Such a receipt may be referred to as a “value” receipt.

In one or more embodiments, the gaming machine 20 may be arranged toaccept such a (value) receipt, thus forming a basis by which the playermay provide credit to play the game. As illustrated in FIG. 1, thegaming machine 20 includes a validating mechanism 32 and a storagedevice for the bill monies and receipts. The validating mechanism isarranged to verify the authenticity of the bill money or a receipt whichis supplied by the player, thus establishing the right of the player toplay the game. For example, the validating mechanism is arranged toreject a counterfeit paper item which a player attempts to pass as atreasury bill. The operation of these mechanisms are well known.Additional details regarding the validation of a value type receipt aredisclosed below.

Receipts of different types or for different purposes may have a varietyof different forms. Referring to FIG. 3, there is illustrated a receipt60 which may be representative of cash value or currency. In one or moreembodiments, the information associated with the receipt 60 includesmachine readable information. As illustrated, this information comprisesa UPC type bar-code 62. In one or more embodiments, the bar-code 62 mayrepresent encoded information such as the value of the receipt 62 andother information. In a preferred embodiment, the bar code 62 representsthe validation code or other unique identifier 64. Information such asthe value 66 of the receipt 60 is obtainable utilizing the validationcode or number 64 this information capable of being located or storedremote from the receipt 60 itself, as described in detail below. Thereceipt 60 may include other information, such as a date of issuance 68.

As noted above, the receipt 60 may have a variety of forms. For example,the bar coding may be accomplished with different colors of materialcomprising the receipt 60, such as by exposing thermoplastic to highheat or the like to generate the spaced bars. The magnetic stripes orchips or similar information storage elements may be associated with thereceipt 60 for use in storing the information. Information may be codedin the form of punch holes or other patterns of material or voids ofmaterial.

In accordance with the present invention, the gaming machine 20 ispreferably adapted to generate or print receipts of other types orassociated with functions/purposes other than for use in replacement ofcurrency or value as described above. In one or more embodiments, thegaming machine 20 is arranged to print receipts which represent “comps,”gratuities or other awards. It is common for frequent players to berewarded for their play. In an embodiment of the invention, a player'splay is rewarded with a receipt which may be redeemed for a prize oraward. For example, the receipt may be redeemable for a free dinner at arestaurant, a free night or nights stay in a hotel room, airline miles,travel, luggage or a wide range of other goods or services. Receipts mayalso be awarded or issued which simply provide information, such ashotel room charges, hotel room check-out information or receipts, showor restaurant times, restaurant menus and prices, and a wide range ofother information.

Such “comp” or award receipts may be generated in a number of manners.In one embodiment, a player's play of any gaming machine associated withthe gaming system 40 is tracked. Data regarding the player's play isstored at the player tracking host 44. The player tracking host 44 isalso preferably arranged to monitor the play data such that, if theplayer reaches predetermined levels of play or other criteria of playexist, the player is awarded a “comp.” In another embodiment, the playof a particular gaming machine 20 may trigger a “comp” award. As isknown, the tracking of the play of a particular player may be initiatedby the player identifying themselves, such as by swiping a magneticstripe of a player tracking/identification card through a card readerassociated with the gaming machine 20.

The criteria for awarding a “comp” or “complimentary” reward may vary.In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the player is rewarded acomp based upon criteria independent of the direct outcome of a gameplayed at the gaming machine. In this regard, the award may be referredto as a bonus, as the award is above and beyond any award provided tothe player based in the above outcome of a players game, and does notrequire further or additional consideration (such as an additional bet)by the player. As noted, the comp may be awarded based upon frequency ortime of play, actual losses, theoretical win or a wide variety ofcriteria other than the direct win or loss of a game.

A “comp” receipt 160 may also be awarded to a player at the discretionof the game operator or casino. For example, regardless of the length oftime a player has been playing, the operator may instruct the machine 20to issue a receipt for a prize or award. The operator may also causereceipts representing awards independent of game play to be issued atseveral gaming machines, such as a promotion.

Once a player is entitled to a “comp,” the player tracking host 44 isadapted to send a signal to the gaming machine 20 to cause the gamingmachine to issue a “comp” receipt. In one embodiment, the player may beprovided with an opportunity to select the “comp” or award which isgiven. For example, for reaching a predetermined level of play, a playermay be permitted to select one prize from a list of prizes. This listmay be transmitted from the player tracking host 44 for display by thegaming machine 20 to the player. The player may then input theirselection. The gaming machine 20 is then arranged to print the receiptrepresentative of the “comp.” Information regarding the comp which hasbeen awarded is stored at the player tracking host 44 and printed on thereceipt.

FIG. 3( b) illustrates an embodiment of a “comp” or award receipt 160 inaccordance with the invention. As illustrated, the receipt 160 includestext indicating that the receipt 160 has been awarded as a result of theplayer's play. The nature of the comp is indicated, such as the factthat the receipt represents a free dinner award. A receipt identifier164 is printed on the receipt 160. In addition, an issue date 166 andexpiration date 168 are printed on the receipt. The “comp” type ofreceipt 160 may have other forms than that illustrated. For example, thereceipt 160 may be similar to the receipt 60 illustrated in FIG. 3( a),and include a readable bar code.

In another embodiment of the invention, a gaming machine 20 is adaptedto print a receipt which includes game accounting, security or diagnosisinformation. In one embodiment, a technician may open the machine 20 andcause the gaming controller to perform a diagnostic function (such areby simply pressing a button or providing other input). The gamingcontroller is then arranged to print out the results of the diagnosticon a receipt with the receipt printer 34. It will be appreciated thatthe variety of information which may be printed depends substantiallyupon the nature of the diagnostic which is performed. Such diagnosticfunctions are well known, and may be programmed into the gamingcontroller. It will also be appreciated that the manner by which thediagnostic is initiated may vary. For example, in one embodiment, asimple key switch may be located on the exterior of the gaming machine20. When the technician turns the key switch with the appropriate key,the controller may be caused to perform a diagnosis and print theresults.

In accordance with the present invention, the receipt printer 34 of thegaming machine 20 may be adapted to print a wide range of otherinformation. For example, a gaming representative may cause the gamingmachine 20 to print audit information, such as information relating tothe amounts bet and awarded as a result of play of the machine 20. Anaudit receipt may be printed as needed or automatically at intervals.The audit receipt may include information such as, but not limited to,coins paid in and coins paid out, currency in, and the time that a cashbox was removed. The gaming machine 20 may be adapted to print a receipthaving information regarding a wide variety of functions, such as a coinhopper fill status, meter/counter data and the like.

In one or more embodiments of the invention, the gaming machine 20 maybe instructed to print a receipt (such as a diagnosis or audit receipt)from a remote location. For example, a gaming representative may send adiagnosis signal to the gaming machine 20 via a network link. In oneembodiment, a gaming representative may use a wireless control device,such as one of the hand-held units 52, to send a command to cause thegaming machine 20 to print a receipt with desired information.

Regardless of the receipt's type, a variety of limitations may beimposed on the use of a receipt. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 3(b), a receipt may be deemed to expire after a certain period of time ifnot used. Preferably, the expiration date is stored at the playertracking host 44 such that is a person attempts to redeem the receipt(as described below) after its expiration period, that receipt isrejected. A receipt may also be redeemable at one or more specificlocations or at specific times.

As detailed below, in accordance with one or more embodiments of theinvention, there are provided methods and devices for validating areceipt. As used herein, the terms validation or entitlement generallymean establishing the right of player to use the receipt, such as toredeem the receipt for an award or “comp,” or to use the valueassociated with the receipt, as in placing wagers or bets. Thus, oneaspect of the invention is validating a “value” type receipt 60 toestablish a player's right to use the value associated with the receipt.Similarly, one aspect of the invention is the validating of a “comp”type receipt 160 to establish the right of a player to the award or compassociated therewith.

In one or more embodiments, a receipt 60, 160 may be redeemed for valuein coins or currency or a specific award or prize. If the receipt haslittle associated value or is associated with a minimal award, then thereceipt may be redeemed after simple inspection by a gamingrepresentative or other authorized personnel. For example, if thereceipt entitles a person to a free dinner, the hostess at therestaurant may visually inspect the receipt to determine that it isstill valid and is to be redeemed for a free dinner at that particularrestaurant.

In one or more embodiments, validation of a receipt 60, 160 may includeconfirmation that the party redeeming it is the rightful owner. Forexample, in the case of a “comp” receipt 160, the receipt 160 mayinclude a player tracking number or other identifier printed thereon (orstored at the player tracking host 44). At the time of redemption, theplayer may be required to provide identification verifying that they arethe same party that was issued the receipt 160.

In a preferred embodiment, the receipt 60, 160 is verified using datastored at the appropriate database, such as at the tracking host 44 orthe player host 45. As stated above, when a receipt 60, 160 isgenerated, a corresponding data file or other record is also generated.In one embodiment, the receipt 60, 160 record is stored in one or morelocations, such as the player tracking host 44 or payment host 45.

Preferably, when a receipt 60, 160 is redeemed, the authenticity of thereceipt 60, 160 is confirmed, and the status of the receipt 60, 160 andrelated information is updated. A receipt 60, 160 may be presented orredeemed in a variety of manners. As noted above, a player having avalue receipt 60 may travel to a gaming machine 20 which is arranged toaccept receipts and utilize the receipt to provide the necessary creditto entitle the player to play the game. In one or more embodiments, theplayer is not limited to presenting a receipt 60 to the same gamingmachine 20 which issued it, but may present it to any gaming machine 20associated with the system 40. A player may also be permitted to redeema value receipt 60 at remote location, such as a receipt validationmechanism 50, cashier station 54 or other location. Such a station maybe located at a cashier cage, or a moving cart or other locations.

A player may be permitted to redeem an award or “comp” receipt 160 at avariety of locations. One location may be the specific locationproviding the good or service which the receipt represents. For example,if the receipt 160 is for a dinner or show, then the player may redeemthe receipt at the dinner or show, just as if the player had cash or aticket. In another embodiment, the player may be required to redeem thereceipt 160 at one or more specified locations, such as a centralstation. For example, a player may be required to redeem their receipt160 for a free show at the ticket or box office for the show forexchange of the receipt for an actual ticket to the show.

Regardless, in one embodiment, the receipt 60, 160 is validated using avalidating mechanism. The validating mechanism is arranged to verify theauthenticity of the receipt 60, 160 which is supplied.

In one embodiment, the gaming machine 20 includes a validating mechanism(such as reader 32) for reading the bar code 62 and sending thevalidation code 64 or other identifying information for a value receipt60 represented by the bar code 62 to the payment host 45. The paymenthost 45 may then confirm whether the voucher 24 is valid and the valuewhich it represents. If the payment host 45 indicates that the receipt60 is valid, then the gaming machine 20 is arranged to credit the playerthe value of that receipt 160. Further, a transaction record associatedwith the gaming machine 20 is updated, which record makes it possible todetermine the total value of all bill monies and receipts 60 accepted bythat particular gaming machine.

As provided above, the payment host 45 may verify the authenticity orvalidity of a particular receipt 60 by comparison to a voucher record.In one or more embodiments, the verification includes matching the code64 read from the receipt 60 against the records to determine that areceipt 60 having the particular code was authorized and issued. Next,the verification includes determining that the receipt 60 is indicatedas outstanding and not already paid. The verification may also includeconfirming the value of the receipt 60.

In one or more embodiments, once the receipt 60 is accepted, verifiedand its value credited, the receipt record is updated. In oneembodiment, the voucher record may be updated to reflect that thereceipt 60 has been paid and is no longer outstanding. In this manner,if the receipt 60 is thereafter stolen and re-presented, during theverification step the receipt 60 will be identified as previouslypresented and will not be paid again. In this method, the step ofupdating may comprise the writing or rewriting of the voucher recordstored at the payment host 45.

In one embodiment, when a player attempts to redeem a “comp” receipt160, information associated with the receipt 160 is preferably verifiedwith the stored receipt data. In one embodiment, a receipt reader islocated at each redemption point. For example, a receipt redemptionstation 50 maybe located at each restaurant, ticket office, or otherprize redemption location. In the preferred embodiment, informationassociated with the receipt 160 is inputted, such as by key input of thecode 164, or by optical reading the information or the like. Thisinformation is then transmitted to the player host 44 forconfirmation/comparison. If the receipt 160 is valid, an instruction isreturned to the station that the redemption is allowable. If the receipt160 is invalid, such as if it is expired or is counterfeit, then such anindication is provided. If the receipt 160 is redeemed, then the dataregarding that receipt is preferably updated, such as by indicating thatthe receipt 160 has been redeemed and is no longer valid.

The methods and devices of the present invention have numerousadvantages. First, a gaming machine 20 is adapted to generate, such asby configuring data and printing, a receipt. This receipt may berepresentative of a value or award, be used for direct redemption of agood or service, provide general information, such as diagnostic oraccounting data, or otherwise be used for a wide variety of purposes. Inthis manner, the gaming machine 20 is capable of carrying out aplurality of functions which were previously not permitted.

As one aspect of the invention, a player may be awarded a “comp”directly by a gaming machine while playing the gaming machine. Theplayer is no longer always required to travel to a remote player rewardstation to determine if they are entitled to a “comp” and be providedthat comp. For example, a player may be rewarded a free dinner for theirplay. A receipt may be immediately issued to the player when the comp isachieved, and the player may then travel directly to the restaurant toobtain their reward.

As another aspect of the invention, gaming machine diagnostic,accounting and similar information may be obtained from a receiptprinted by the gaming machine. This avoids the need for additionaldiagnostic equipment and the like. A technician or gaming representativemay simply instruct the gaming machine 20 to provide the requestedinformation which is then printed on the spot. A technician or gamingrepresentative may travel from adjacent gaming machine to gaming machineand quickly obtain information for a variety of purposes, includingcomparison to other machines.

As another aspect of the invention, the gaming machine is adapted toprint an information receipt providing information to the player/user ofthe gaming machine. In one or more embodiments, other servers orcomputers may be in communication with the gaming machine. These serversmay provide data representing a wide variety of information, such asrestaurant menu information, show times and rates and the like. In oneembodiment, the gaming machine may be arranged to be in communicationwith a hotel reservation/accounting system permitting a player/user ofthe gaming machine to check out or obtain information such as roomcharge information.

In one or more embodiments, the gaming machine may be adapted to displayand print menu information to a player. The player may use the menu toselect particular information or activities to be associated with thereceipt. For example, the gaming machine may include a “menu” buttoncausing a menu to be displayed. The menu may include “access roomaccount” as a selection which the player/user may select in order toobtain their room charge information, which information is then printedout and dispensed to the player.

In accordance with the invention, a variety of methods are provided forverifying information, such as for the redemption of a receipt. Thereceipt may be verified with receipt data stored at a remote location.

It will be understood that the above described arrangements of apparatusand the method therefrom are merely illustrative of applications of theprinciples of this invention and many other embodiments andmodifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope ofthe invention as defined in the claims.

1. A method of issuing a receipt redeemable for an award to a player ofa gaming machine associated with a gaming system including one or moregaming machines comprising: generating data regarding a player'sactivity associated with the play of said one or more gaming machines;determining if said player is entitled to an award based upon theplayer's play activity data independent of the direct outcome of aspecific game or games; and printing said receipt in the form of atangible medium, including player readable indicia, for said player atsaid gaming machine for redemption by said player for said award at alocation remote from said gaming machine.
 2. The method in accordancewith claim 1 including the step of transmitting said play activity datato a remote device.
 3. The method in accordance with claim 2 whereinsaid determining step comprises comparing said transmitted play activitydata to predetermined criteria for awarding an award.
 4. The method inaccordance with claim 1 including the step of transmitting dataregarding a receipt to be printed from a remote device to said gamingmachine.
 5. The method in accordance with claim 1 wherein saidgenerating step comprises the printing of said receipt and issuance ofsaid receipt to said player.
 6. A gaming system comprising: at least onegaming machine adapted to accept credit from a player, present a gamefor play by a player, and pay a winning in the event a winning event isachieved by play of the game; at least one host with which said at leastone gaming machine is associated, said at least one host arranged toreceive information regarding player play from said at least one gamingmachine, to determine if an award should be issued for play by saidplayer independent of whether the outcome of play of said game is awinning outcome, said at least one host arranged to transmit awardinformation to said gaming machine; and a receipt generator located atsaid gaming machine configured to print a receipt in a tangible medium,including player readable indicia, for said player, and associated withsaid award in response to reward information being transmitted to saidgaming machine from said at least one host.
 7. The gaming system inaccordance with claim 6 wherein said information regarding said playerplay comprises information regarding amounts bet by said player.
 8. Thegaming system in accordance with claim 6 wherein said informationcomprises information regarding the identity of said player.
 9. Thegaming system in accordance with claim 6 wherein said receipt isredeemable for a prize.
 10. The gaming system in accordance with claim 6including a wireless communication link between said gaming machine andsaid at least one host.
 11. A method of utilizing a receipt in a gamingsystem comprising: providing at least one gaming machine, said gamingmachine arranged to present at least one game for play by a player andprint a receipt associated with an award based upon the player's play ofone or more gaming machines associated with said gaming system; awardinga reward if said player receives a winning outcome; generating game playdata associated with the player's play of said one or more gamingmachines associated with said gaming system; transmitting said game playdata to a remote device associated with said gaming system; determiningif said player is entitled to a bonus award based upon said game playdata; transmitting bonus award information to a gaming machine played bysaid player; printing a receipt in the form of a tangible medium,including player readable indicia, to said player, and representative ofsaid bonus award from said gaming machine; accepting said receipt at alocation remote from said gaming machine; and providing said bonus awardin redemption of said receipt.
 12. The method in accordance with claim11 including at least one receipt validation station associated withsaid system and wherein said accepting step comprises accepting saidreceipt at said receipt validation station.
 13. The method in accordancewith claim 12 including the step of transmitting information regardingsaid receipt from said receipt validation station to said remote devicefor validating said receipt.
 14. The method in accordance with claim 11including the step of generating receipt information associated with abonus award at said remote device.
 15. A method of presenting gamecomprising: accepting a wager from the player; presenting a game to theplayer; awarding said player a first award if said player receives awinning outcome playing said game; generating a bonus award informationat remote location; transmitting said bonus award information to saidgaming machine; and printing a receipt in the form of a tangible medium,including player readable indicia, for said player from said gamingmachine redeemable for said bonus award at a location remote from saidgaming machine.
 16. The method is in accordance with claim 15 whereinsaid bonus award is non-monetary.